A Guide to Family-Friendly Winter River Rafting in Michigan
Looking for a unique winter adventure in Michigan? Consider winter river rafting—a serene and picturesque way to experience the natural beauty of our state’s stunning rivers during the colder months.
On a winter rafting trip, you’ll glide through snow-covered landscapes, beneath canopies of frosted trees, and alongside glittering ice formations, all while staying warm and dry in the comfort of a guided raft.
Several outfitters in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula provide family-friendly trips for participants of all ages and experience levels. Reservations are required for all trips. All you need is to dress warmly. Outfitters provide all the necessary gear, and their guides will keep you safe while describing the river’s wildlife, ecology, and history.
Big Bear Adventures – Indian River
Situated in Indian River, Big Bear Adventures provides exhilarating winter raft trips down the Sturgeon River. Expect to take an active role as you paddle along the fast-moving Sturgeon River, navigating ice flows and the river’s many twists and turns. You’ll also enjoy a small break halfway through the trip at “Petosky Stone Island,” where you’ll have the chance to hunt for Petosky Stones in the river’s crystal-clear waters.
Participants hunt for Petosky Stones along the banks of the Sturgeon River / Photo Courtesy of Austin Curtis
Trips are approximately 1.5 hours long. The outfitter launches one trip a day Monday through Thursday, two trips on Fridays, and three trips a day Saturday and Sunday.
Jordan Valley Outfitters – East Jordan
If you’re a photographer or looking to take it easy, Jordan Valley Outfitters, located in East Jordan, provides gentle floats down the Jordan River. The guide controls the raft, so you’re free to take pictures and enjoy the sounds and scenery of the Jordan River Valley, including its abundance of wildlife: beavers, river otters, whitetail deer, merganser ducks, red foxes, and bald eagles.
Getting ready to raft the Indian River in Jordan Valley / Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan chrisfsell
At the halfway point, you’ll stop to enjoy a hot drink and a treat. The trip lasts around 1.5 hours.
Pine River Paddlesports Center – Wellston
In Wellston, the Pine River Paddlesports Center offers winter rafting trips down the Pine River. Nestled in a deep valley and flowing through the Manistee National Forest, the Pine River is notable for its magnificent forested riverscape and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Trips take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At the end of your journey, you can choose between a ride back to the starting point, or a hike along the beautiful Silver Creek Pathway, a gorgeous 1.7 or 2.4 mile trek, depending on which side of the river you take.
Sturgeon River Paddlesports – Wolverine
Located in Wolverine, Sturgeon River Paddlesports offers casual trips down the Sturgeon River. As you float through tunnels of pine and cedar trees blanketed in snow, you may even catch glimpses of wildlife seeking out the river’s open water during the winter.
Rafting down the Sturgeon River / Photo Courtesy of Austin Curtis
Trips are approximately 1.5 hours long, and three departure times are offered daily: 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:30 pm.